Rodney Scott's former business partner files for bankruptcy; over $44M in liabilities

August 7, 2026 - 06:56

The filing, submitted in federal court, marks a dramatic turn for the veteran restaurateur who helped launch the celebrated barbecue spot with pitmaster Rodney Scott. The pair opened the Charleston location in 2017, and it quickly gained national attention for its whole hog cooking and Southern sides. The restaurant earned Scott a James Beard Award in 2018, cementing its place in the barbecue world.

According to court documents, Pihakis's debts are mostly tied to personal guarantees on loans and leases for various restaurant ventures, not just the barbecue brand. His group has operated several concepts over the years, and the financial strain appears to have accumulated over time. The bankruptcy filing is for Chapter 7, which means a trustee will liquidate his non-exempt assets to pay creditors.

Rodney Scott's Whole Hog BBQ itself remains open and operating, and the filing does not directly involve the restaurant's day-to-day business. However, the news raises questions about the future of the partnership and the broader financial health of the group's other holdings. Pihakis has not issued a public statement, and representatives for the restaurant have declined to comment on the proceedings. For now, fans of the smoked pork and ribs can still get their fix, but the financial fallout is far from over.